This is an excerpt from Bo Bengtson’s 1994 AKC Gazette profile of photographer Joan Ludwig, who reigned for a half century as the acknowledged West Coast master of canine photography: If it’s true that a picture is worth more than a thousand words, then Joan Ludwig has spoken more to the dog fancy than almost […]

Developing an eye for assessing dogs is like any other skill. You need basic understanding of what you are looking at, and then you need practice. The more you train your eye to look for variations, good and bad, the better you will become at evaluating a dog or group of dogs. Start with reading the […]

Not a lot has changed regarding the fear and myths surrounding canine epilepsy since the first person observed seizing dogs when animal/human cohabitation started. Throughout history, thousands of people suffering from epilepsy have been killed because they were thought to be possessed by the devil. Sadly, despite all the scientific improvement and understanding of this […]

Special to the AKC Gazette Over the past several years, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has sometimes fallen prey to the dangerous idea that bigger is better. The standard calls for a dog who is “approximately 35 lbs,” with “bitches somewhat less,” but we are seeing dogs in the ring who are easily 20 to […]

  The dog’s long march from wild animal to ball-chasing, couch-hogging, kibble-crunching family pet might have begun 40,000 years ago. This places the domestication of canines much farther in the past than has been previously thought, according to the study “Ancient European Dog Genomes Reveal Continuity Since the Early Neolithic.” The findings were published this […]

Dogs are always born in litters and oftentimes look alike, so it is easy to assume that identical twins aren't uncommon in puppies. But in reality, identical twins in dogs are incredibly rare. Twins are two offspring produced by the same pregnancy. They can be either identical twins, meaning that they develop from one egg […]

No matter what war they serve in, returning soldiers often come home to find the place they left very much changed. There are the sad discoveries of parents who pass. Sweethearts who stray. And, in the case of dog lovers, beloved breeds that are no more. The decimation of dog breeds during wartime comes down […]

The giant Scottish Deerhound coursing joyfully through a field is a glorious sight. This majestic and ancient breed has been prized since at least the 16th century for its endurance, courage, speed, and great skill at bringing down deer. In fact, the 'Royal Dog of Scotland' was so highly esteemed that, in early days, ownership […]

Two of the largest dog breeds in the world – and both sighthounds with wiry coats – it's no wonder that people often confused the Irish Wolfhound (IW) and the Scottish Deerhound (Deerhound). Although these two members of the Hound Group may have similarities on the surface, the truth is there are several qualities that […]

Though we often don’t think about them in this way, dogs are really about people — those long-ago (or, sometimes, not so long-ago) figures who developed particular breeds for particular tasks. Some breeds — like the Doberman Pinscher, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and Cesky Terrier — owe their existence to just one visionary person. Other breeds were brought into being […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH2 Rosie La Bella MXC PDS MJC PJS MFG TQX T2B5 […]

The rollicking Irish Red and White Setter is an athletic medium-sized bird dog bred primarily for hunting. Fun-loving, friendly, and high-spirited, Irish Red and Whites are a bit shorter and stockier than their cousin the Irish Setter.

The Irish Setter is a high-spirited gundog known for grace, swiftness, and a flashy red coat. They are famously good family dogs: sweet-tempered companions for the folks, and rollicking playmates and tennis-ball fetchers for the children.

The Irish Terrier, “Daredevil” of the Emerald Isle, is a bold, dashing, and courageous terrier of medium size. Known for his fiery red coat and a temperament to match, the Irish Terrier is stouthearted at work and tenderhearted at home.

The tallest of the AKC’s spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is instantly recognizable by its crisply curled coat and tapering “rat tail.” Among the champion swimmers of dogdom, the alert and inquisitive IWS is hardworking and brave in the field, and playfully affectionate at home.

The calm, dignified, and kindly Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all AKC breeds. Once fearless big-game hunters capable of dispatching a wolf in single combat, Wolfhounds today are the most serene and agreeable of companions.

March 21 2018: Raleigh, North Carolina Title: 5 Days - Toy Breeds - Seminars & Hands-on Workshops Breed: Toy Breeds Presenter: N/A Sponsoring Club: NC Triangle Area Judges Education Group, Co-sponsored by the participating Tarheel Cluster dog clubs Contact Name: Celeste M. Gonzalez - Email: nctriangleareajudgesedgroup@yahoo.com Phone: (336) 259-0061 Fax: N/A Website: N/A Held in conjunction with the […]

National Champion Beats Out More Than 4,000 Dogs GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, a Whippet known as “Bourbon” triumphed over more than 4,000 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 12-13, 2020 in Orlando, FL. “Bourbon,” owned […]

–Award Presented at AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin – Gail S. Wolaniuk and Joan E. McFadden were presented with the 2020 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Unique Standard Poodles at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Sunday, December 13, 2020.  The annual award honors those breeders who have […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2020 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2020. The 2020 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]